David understood the responsibilities of a shepherd in leading sheep into the right pastures .
When you look into the word you discover how these shepherds had wisdom to study the environment or pastures that they would lead their flock through. So through experience they had discovered what was good for sheep and the best environments that would improve the flock's health.
Some of the places had parasites and dangers to the flock but as they led the flock through such environments they knew what it would take to protect their sheep. The shepherds understood the different pastures and even parasites and the dangers within each environment. They understood what would be needed for each sheep .
David said he leads me through the valley of the shadow of death. Showing the shepherds intentionally lead sheep through seemingly dangerous situations and circumstances. Imagine it's the same shepherd who leads you through the green pastures who also will lead you through the valley of the shadow of death.
Many people assume if there is resistance it's the devil but not know maybe it could be the shepherd who is leading you through the valley . Even in that storm he is with you, even in that whirlwind he is with you. David Speaking to King Soul mentioned how he once killed a bear and a lion to protect his sheep. Jesus as the good shepherd has fought so many demonic beasts to ensure your safety.
Though he is the shepherd it is the responsibility also of the sheep to follow and listen to him. It is Jesus' responsibility as the shepherd to lead his sheep but the young lambs in the sheepfold have not learnt the master’s voice so they follow the bleating of the older rams and other sheep within the fold.
The Lord Jesus said my sheep hear my voice, but young lambs cannot identify the master’s voice unless they learn from following the elders who follow the master. It takes having known him as your shepherd to follow him through the valley .
The problem comes when the young lambs follow hardened sheep that no longer follow or never got to learn the voice of the master. The master in his wisdom has a purpose for his flock. But it is also the responsibility of the sheep to follow him.
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So in the same way a natural shepherd can notice negative things in the environment and prepare a plan for his flock, so does Jesus also prepare for his flock. Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11 “be followers of me as I am of Christ”. Because lambs have not yet learned the voice of Christ, they follow those who, through grace, are called to lead them.
Apostle Paul understood lambs could follow someone who is not following Christ. Jesus spoke of hirelings and explained how hirelings also take up responsibility over the fold in order to manipulate the flock. They lead the flock into death and destructive ways.
The shepherd has so many responsibilities over the flock. He looks over the sheep and because of his love for his flock, he personally knows each sheep. Because of this, he knows what each sheep requires.
The strength of the sheep is in the flock But not just in a flock but a flock that has mastered the voice of the chief shepherd. The plan of the enemy is to push the Christians away from the flock and deafen them from hearing the voice of the shepherd.
A Christian who does not understand the voice of God will be a victim of different elements that are around them. There are predators, there are parasites and even environments that affect Christians spiritually. Only an ability to understand the voice of the master pushes one away from the negative influence of these forces. Only being able to understand him allows you to stay on the path he would lead you through.
The master’s voice is never discovered outside the sheepfold and his voice is learnt as you follow other sheep.
God bless you.
l Humphrey Mtandwa is an apostolic teacher of the word of God and founder of Believers Voice of Triumph Ministries. He has authored many books, including The Enoch Generation, Truthfulness, Night Parables and Theophany. If you want to connect with him or have any questions, get in touch on www.apostlehumphrey.com
